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Nanjing residents rarely mention autumn, for once it arrives, the city transforms into Jinling. Perhaps you've grown weary of your city's perpetual green and yearn for a vibrant riot of color. Nanjing, a tranquil and elegant city, boasts autumn colors unmatched anywhere in the north. Its numerous classical red buildings create a perfect backdrop for autumn, creating a stunning photoshoot in a classic style. The autumn colors imbue the city with a sense of antiquity, and with 2,300 years of history, Nanjing's autumn is not just about color; it also offers a rich tapestry of flavors.
Xiamafang - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum - Dajinmen - Sifangcheng - Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum - Meihua Mountain - Qianhu - Mingling Road - Zhongshan Gate
Recommended reasons:
The only UNESCO World Heritage site in Nanjing is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Two must-see attractions when visiting Zhongshan include the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, considered "the greatest mausoleum in modern Chinese architecture," and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, considered the most representative of the imperial mausoleums of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Our recommended route not only allows you to fully appreciate the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's most beautiful autumn scenery, but also follows the ancient mausoleum-visiting route, starting from Xiamafang and following the sacred path to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The approximately 600-meter-long Stone Statue Road at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is known as "the most beautiful 600 meters in Nanjing in autumn." Returning from the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, we can pass by the vibrant Qianhu Lake, enjoying Nanjing's unique autumn scenery. Finally, we'll walk along Mingling Road, which runs alongside the Ming City Wall. In autumn, the road is covered in fallen leaves, creating a golden atmosphere.
The landmark building at the entrance to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a two-pillar stone archway, 9 meters high and 6 meters wide. Inscribed on its brow are the six characters "All officials dismount." This instructs civil and military officials at all levels to dismount and walk to maintain the solemnity of the mausoleum and respect for the tomb. Violators will be treated as disrespectful.
▲"Officials dismount" at the entrance to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Xiamafang Park in late autumn, an often forgotten autumn viewing spot. As the gateway to the shrine, the autumn scenery is unforgettable. Photo by: You horizontal and I vertical
Located on Shenlu Road, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum features exhibitions dedicated to Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, the World Cultural Heritage Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Nanjing's Ming culture. Because the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum has remained undisturbed, the museum houses many of its remaining artifacts. The museum also features graphic guides detailing Zhu Yuanzhang's rise to power and key moments on his path to becoming emperor. It also houses the Yunjin Museum, a must-see for brocade enthusiasts.
▲Although the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum is small, it has everything you need. Going deep into it will help you learn about the Ming Dynasty.
Dajinmen is the first south gate of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Originally a double-eaved building with yellow glazed tiles, it now features brick and stone walls with a stone pedestal at the bottom.
▲The first south gate of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
The Sifangcheng Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue Stele Tower was built in the 11th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1413 AD). Its square floor plan, with its roof now destroyed, earned it the nickname "Sifangcheng." It houses the "Great Ming Xiaoling Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue Stele," erected by Zhu Yuanzhang's son, Zhu Di, the Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, for his father. The inscription, written by Zhu Di, chronicles Zhu Yuanzhang's life and deeds. The 2,746-character inscription makes it the largest ancient stele in Nanjing.
The Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue Stele Tower was built in the 11th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1413 AD). Its square floor plan, with its roof now destroyed, made it commonly known as the Square City. It houses the "Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Divine Merit and Sacred Virtue Stele," erected by Zhu Yuanzhang's son, Zhu Di, the Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, for his father. The inscription, written by Zhu Di, recounts Zhu Yuanzhang's life and deeds. The 2,746-character inscription makes it the largest ancient stele in Nanjing.
The Stone Elephant Road, located within the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is the front section of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Sacred Road. It is 618 meters long and features 12 pairs of stone animals of six species: lions, xiezhi, camels, elephants, qilins, and horses. Currently adorned with a vibrant display of red, yellow, and green autumn leaves, the Stone Elephant Road has been dubbed "Nanjing's Most Beautiful 600 Meters."
▲Nanjing's most beautiful 600 meters, the sacred path is covered with fallen leaves
▲Red beech trees, yellow ginkgo trees, orange Chinese tallow trees, brown plane trees, and evergreen junipers – enjoy painting on this 600-meter-long stone statue path
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, located within the Zhongshan Scenic Area, borders the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to the east and Plum Blossom Mountain to the south. It is the joint burial site of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and his empress. The tomb is named "Xiaoling" because of Empress Ma's posthumous title of "Empress Xiaoci Gao" and her commitment to governing the country through filial piety. Covering over 1.7 million square meters, it is one of the largest imperial mausoleums in China.
▲The remaining ruins of the Xiandian Temple under the autumn colors, with fallen leaves covering the ruins, feel the power of time.
▲A corner of the autumn scenery at the Xiangdian ruins
▲ Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum from above, Ming Tower. Climb up to the Ming Tower and you can see the autumn scenery of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
▲A bird's-eye view of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in autumn. Along the sacred path, the whole way is colorful and dazzling.
Qianhu Lake, also known as Yanque Lake, was historically renowned and a famous scenic spot in Jinling. Yanque Lake and Xuanwu Lake were two major lakes in ancient Nanjing, separated by Zhongshan Mountain. Xuanwu Lake, located west of Zhongshan Mountain, was known as Houhu Lake; Yanque Lake, located south of Zhongshan Mountain, was known as Qianhu Lake. Yanque Lake was also known as Baidang Lake. It was not until the Southern Liang Dynasty (111-1164-1191) that it was renamed Yanque Lake or Taizi Lake.
▲Encounter the legend of Nanliang. Among the fir forests, green and yellow meet, and the colors are rich. It is a rare urban wetland landscape.
In the autumn, the Plum Blossom Valley is captivating with its dreamy Metasequoia trees. The lake and Zhongshan Mountain complement each other, creating a vibrant and majestic scene. Find this wetland hidden in the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and enjoy its tranquility and beauty.
▲Metasequoia forest in autumn
Purple Mountain boasts numerous time tunnels, including Mingling Road leading to Qianhu Lake, Mausoleum Road leading to the Meiling Palace, Ring Road to the summit of Purple Mountain, and Linggu Road leading to the ancient Linggu Temple. These roads differ in many ways, but their commonality is that they are all surrounded by towering trees, each with its own unique form, nestled at the foot of Purple Mountain. Walking through them feels like stepping into a time tunnel, lush green in summer and golden in autumn.
▲Mingling Road, on the left is the Ming City Wall telling the history of the Ming Dynasty, and on the right is the dense forest of Purple Mountain. The swaying green shade fully displays the flavor of Jinling.
Lingyuan Road - Meiling Palace - Yongfeng Poetry Society - Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - Music Stage - Liuhui Pavilion - Linggu Temple - Zhongshan Sports Park
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As I mentioned before, a visit to Zhongshan requires two must-see attractions: the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Today's recommended route is a short loop. In autumn, Zhongshan boasts Nanjing's most beautiful Wutong Avenue. The tall, dense Wutong trees along the Mausoleum Road transform into a golden hue. The nearby Meiling Palace is even more encircled by a golden "Wutong necklace." The unassuming Yongfeng Poetry Society, nestled on the Mausoleum Road, is perhaps China's most poetic little bookstore. Here, the starry sky and poetry intersect. Climb the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay homage to the founding father of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. From the vantage point, the view from above is breathtaking, bathed in the majestic autumn colors of Zhongshan. On the return trip, you'll pass the Music Stand, where you can feed the pigeons and listen to music. Descending from the Music Stand, you'll pass the Liuhui Pavilion, a pavilion flanked by water on three sides and land on one side. The emerald water reflects the pavilion like a mirror, creating a uniquely charming scene. In autumn, it resembles an overturned seasoning dish, a truly stunning sight. Finally, you'll visit Linggu Temple. From the Linggu Tower, you'll see a world of color. Finally, you'll pass by the Running Man archway at Zhongshan Sports Park and return via the subway station.
Lingyuan Road and other roads around the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are like "green tunnels." Compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, as well as international friends who have visited Nanjing's Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, have praised it highly, calling it a "world-class green city." At the end of the last century, Queen Elizabeth II praised Nanjing: "There is heaven above, Suzhou and Hangzhou below, and Nanjing has a 'green corridor.'"
▲In the hearts of many Nanjing people, Wutong Avenue in the golden autumn is the real first scenery of Nanjing
Also known as the "Official Residence of the President of the National Government," the Meiling Palace is located on Xiaohong Mountain, east of Sifangcheng, within the Zhongshan Scenic Area in Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It is known as the "First Villa in the Far East." Originally intended as the residence of the President of the National Government, it was later converted into a lounge for senior officials visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. After the Nationalist government relocated from Chongqing to the capital, Nanjing, Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling frequently stayed there for worship and rest, earning it the name "Meiling Palace."
▲A corner of the Meiling Palace. The main building is a three-story, double-eaved, mountain-style palace building, covered with green glazed tiles, on which are carved more than 1,000 phoenixes.
▲The four seasons of Meiling Palace
▲Meiling Palace surrounded by golden sycamore trees in the golden autumn.
▲In late autumn, the entire Zhongshan Mountain is covered in colorful trees. Looking down from the air, the cemetery road covered with sycamore trees and the green glazed tile roof of the Meiling Palace form a "jewel necklace".
The Yongfeng Society, originally established in 1933, was a place dedicated to selling flowers and plants from the cemetery. Donated by the Central Army Officers School, it was destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War. In 1993, the Yongfeng Society was rebuilt on the original site of the cemetery. The former Yongfeng Society has now become the pioneering "Yongfeng Poetry Society."
▲ The new store, redesigned by architect Zhang Lei, features elegant and appropriate space, authentically reminiscent of the Republican era, with every detail permeating this period. It's another iconic landmark of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
▲Yongfeng Poetry Society, as the name suggests, focuses on poetry, and the books sold are mainly poetry. Poetry conferences or poetry lectures are held here from time to time.
Designed by Mr. Yang Tingbao, the Music Platform is a supporting project for the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, primarily used for musical performances and speeches during ceremonies commemorating Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The architectural style of the Music Platform blends Eastern and Western influences, drawing heavily on ancient Greek architectural features in its utilization of the natural environment, layout, and facade design. While the details of the structures, such as the screen wall and the music platform, draw on the expressive elements of classical Jiangnan gardens. The result is a spacious and grand space, complemented by exquisitely carved artistic style, achieving a perfect harmony between nature and architecture.
▲Radial straight paths and semicircular paths divide the lawn into 12 small fan-shaped areas. The entire exquisite building is in harmony with the surrounding environment and is one of the important memorial buildings of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
▲In recent years, Nanjing Forest Concerts and Zhongshan Holiday Concerts have often been held here, making the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Music Stage a veritable outdoor music sanctuary.
The mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great pioneer of modern democratic revolution in China, was completed in the summer of 1929. It became one of the first national key cultural relics protection units in 1961 and was included in the "First Batch of China's 20th Century Architectural Heritage" list in 2016.
Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum faces a plain in front, is backed by green peaks, borders Linggu Temple to the east, and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to the west. The entire complex follows the mountain's contours, rising gradually from south to north along its central axis. Key buildings, including the Fraternal Love Archway, the tomb passage, the mausoleum gate, stone steps, stele pavilions, the sacrificial hall, and the burial chamber, are arranged along this central axis, embodying traditional Chinese architectural style. Viewed from the air, it resembles a "Liberty Bell" lying on a green velvet carpet. It blends the essences of ancient Chinese and Western architecture, creating a solemn, simple, and innovative style.
The main structure of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the memorial hall, located at the highest point of the mountain, blends Chinese and Western architectural styles. Drawing on the layout of traditional Chinese mausoleums, the memorial hall adopts a symmetrical arrangement along the central axis. The architectural color scheme departs from the traditional yellow glazed tiles and red walls of imperial mausoleums, featuring a blue roof and off-white walls. This reflects Dr. Sun Yat-sen's lifelong pursuit of democracy.
▲Looking out from the sacrificial hall, you can have a panoramic view of Zhongshan Mountain.
This pavilion, hidden in the Zhongshan Scenic Area, offers delightful views throughout the seasons. Its roof is clad in milky white glazed tiles and features green columns. It faces water on three sides, which, like a mirror, reflects the pavilion, creating a unique and captivating scene.
▲The most hidden autumn scenery in Nanjing city, don’t miss it when you come to Zhongshan.
Kaishan Jingshe, built by Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty in memory of the renowned monk Baozhi, was originally named Kaishan Temple. During the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang personally bestowed the name "Linggu Zen Temple" on it, declaring it "the No. 1 Zen Temple in the World," making it one of the three greatest Buddhist temples of the Ming Dynasty.
The most beautiful times of Linggu Temple are the fireflies in the summer nights and the colorful forests in the autumn.
▲A corner of Linggu Temple in the golden autumn, soft and warm
▲The autumn in Linggu Temple is colorful, and every shot is a beautiful scene.
The Beamless Hall in autumn, the oldest and largest brick-arched hall in China, was originally the Wuliang Hall in Linggu Temple, where the Buddha Amitabha was enshrined. Because the entire building is constructed of brick arches and has no wooden beams, it is also known as the "Beamless Hall."
Zhongshan Sports Park is located at the foot of Purple Mountain in the eastern suburbs, adjacent to Nanjing Institute of Physical Education. The park is large, with lawns arranged according to the undulating terrain and connected by flowing ponds. It is a popular weekend picnic spot for Nanjing residents.
The Zhongshan Sports Park memorial archway, formerly the site of the Central Stadium during the Republican era, was the largest stadium in the Far East at the time. The traditional Chinese archway-style building, nine bays wide and three stories high, is adorned with eight cloud-patterned columns and seven small archway roofs, creating a magnificent and imposing atmosphere that dominates the stadium.
▲ Zhongshan Sports Park, the internet celebrity's loneliest tree. Checking in during autumn is even more appealing.
Nanjing Normal University - Qingliang Mountain - Chongzheng Academy - National Defense Park (Stone City Park) - Ming City Wall - Qingliang Gate - Ghost Face Mirror
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When discussing Nanjing's autumn scenery, ginkgo trees are indispensable. When the ginkgo trees turn yellow, autumn arrives. Ginkgo trees can be found in numerous locations throughout Nanjing, such as the red-walled Chaotian Palace, with its yellow leaves, and the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees at Huiji Temple in Jiangpu. However, within the city itself, there's a lesser-known autumn viewing route that not only offers a glimpse into Nanjing's autumn colors but also a journey into history. The predecessor of Nanjing Normal University was once Yuan Mei's Suiyuan Garden, and further back, the family gardens of Cao Xueqin. Qingliang Mountain, with its over 300 ginkgo trees, is the largest ginkgo grove in Nanjing. Known as a "Seven Dynasties Scenic Spot," Qingliang Mountain marks the beginning of Nanjing's Jinling history. The section from Qingliang Mountain to Guofang Park was historically part of the Stone City. Walking along the walls of the Stone City, you'll be met by steep cliffs on one side and lush forests on the other. Dating back to the Eastern Wu period, the river flows below the cliffs. Exploring autumn and reminiscing about the past is a unique experience.
Nanjing Normal University's Suiyuan Campus is known as "the most beautiful campus in the East." Its golden autumn colors, the setting sun against the backdrop of ancient buildings, evoke the beauty of a classical Chinese garden. Walking through the campus, you'll often wonder whether you're on a familiar campus or amidst a unique garden. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the campus boasts buildings that have survived for nearly a century, featuring dragon-headed eaves and square, symmetrical architectural layouts, centered on a vast lawn and oriented east-west. Formerly the site of Jinling Women's University, strolling through the campus in early autumn is permeated by the lingering fragrance of osmanthus, a delightful aroma that soothes the eyes, nose, and ears. Red columns, yellow walls, and black tiles are its classic colors.
▲Looking down at Nanjing Normal University from the air, it is extremely beautiful with colorful autumn colors.
▲The plane trees in the golden autumn and the Chinese-style buildings on campus.
▲The century-old ginkgo tree and the classical Building 100 complement each other.
Qingliang Mountain, formerly known as Shitou Mountain or Shitoucheng, sits on the western edge of Nanjing. Legend has it that Zhuge Liang once described Jinling's terrain as "a tiger crouching and a dragon coiling," with the tiger crouching referring to present-day Qingliang Mountain. During the Warring States Period, King Wei of Chu established Jinling Prefecture here, and a city wall remained on the mountain, earning it the name Shicheng Mountain. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the Eastern Wu rebuilt Shitoucheng, also known as Shitou Mountain. Another theory states that the mountain was devoid of stone from the north of the Yangtze River until it first began to bear stone, hence the name. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the name was changed to Qingliang Mountain, a name that remains to this day.
Red maples at Qingliang Ancient Temple. Built in the Southern Dynasties, Qingliang Temple in Nanjing is the birthplace of the Fayan School, one of the five schools of Zen Buddhism in China. "Asking the Buddha in Qingliang" is one of the long-standing "Forty-eight Scenic Spots of Jinling."
▲Climbing up the stairs, you will see golden autumn colors all along the way.
Over 300 ginkgo trees on Qingliang Mountain form the largest and most densely planted ginkgo forest in Nanjing. Ginkgo Valley, a flat area within Qingliang Mountain, is blanketed in golden fallen leaves in late autumn, blanketing the valley and stone benches and pavilions with a thick blanket of foliage, creating a vibrant and ancient atmosphere. Walking toward Chongzheng Academy, as soon as you enter the small gate, you'll be greeted by golden leaves strewn across the ground, filling every corner of the courtyard with autumn colors.
▲Inside Ginkgo Valley, a vast expanse of golden color greets the eye, perfectly embodying the meaning of "golden autumn." Three hundred ginkgo trees, bathed in the sunlight, display their stunning beauty in late autumn. Photo by Xiao Lu Chengzi
Stone City, located in Nanjing's Gulou District, is a renowned relic from the Six Dynasties period. Located in the present-day Qingliang Mountain and National Defense Park, it was known as the "First Military Fortress of the Eastern Wu Dynasty." Built in the seventh year of King Wei of Chu (333 BC), in the 16th year of Jian'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (211 AD), Sun Quan of the Wu Kingdom relocated to Moling (present-day Nanjing) and built a fortress on the site of the former Jinling Town on Stone Mountain, naming it Stone City.
It controls the confluence of the Qinhuai River and the Yangtze River. "The mountain is used as a city, and the river is used as a pond. The terrain is dangerous and solid, and it has a unique strategic position." It is an important military town to ensure the security of the western part of the capital Jiankang City. It is also a place that military strategists must fight for. It is known as the "Stone City Tiger".
▲"Ghost Face Looking in the Mirror" in the autumn colors
Beneath the city wall between Qingliang Gate and Caochang Gate stands a prominent oval-shaped rock face, approximately 6 meters long and 3 meters wide. Due to years of weathering, the gravel has flaked off, leaving it pitted and speckled, interspersed with purple and black rocks. From a distance, the jagged rocks reveal faintly ears, eyes, mouth, and nose, resembling a ferocious ghost face, earning it the nickname "Ghost Face City." Nanjing folklore abounds. Legend has it that the rock was once as smooth as a knife's blade. Today, to the west of Ghost Face City lies a clear pond, where one can see its reflection. Older Nanjing residents refer to it as "Ghost Face Looking in the Mirror."
▲The ruins of the Ming Dynasty city wall in the National Defense Park were the Jinling Castle built by King Wei of Chu in 333 BC. The Stone City is nostalgic, and its long history is organically combined with the natural landscape, integrating the ancient battlefield with modern national defense education. Today, it is not only a national defense education base, but also a private place for enjoying autumn and ancient history in Nanjing, with towering ancient trees and dense forests.
The Ming Dynasty City Wall in Stone City is the most unique section of Nanjing's Ming Dynasty City Wall. Over a kilometer long, it's framed by steep cliffs on one side and lush forests on the other. Dating back to the Eastern Wu period, the cliffs flowed beneath a surging river, creating a fortress built from the mountain and a pond from the river. The rugged terrain creates a unique and formidable landscape. Walking along the wall to Qingliang Gate, one of the thirteen Ming Dynasty city gates, feels like walking through a breathtaking painting.
Qingliang Gate is one of the thirteen Ming Dynasty city gates of Nanjing's Ming City Wall. It is named after the Qingliang Mountain where it is located. It is now composed of a city gate and a circle of elliptical urns. The main city gate is a single-hole arch structure. The tower on the gate tower no longer exists. There is a keystone on the top of the city with two keyholes carved on it. The urn city is semicircular, facing the city gate, sitting east and facing west.
▲The Qingliangmen Gate remains the same in any season, quietly guarding here for 600 years.
Nanjing - Chishan Lake Wetland Park - Nanjing
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After thirteen years of recuperation, the Chishan Lake Wetland Park is the largest in Nanjing and East China. It's very close to downtown Nanjing, just over an hour's drive away. The park is divided into several areas, primarily the Lotus Pond and the Chishan Lake Scenic Area. There are two boat tours, along with various Metasequoia boardwalks and a small zoo, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or those with children. In autumn, the Metasequoia trees are adorned with a vibrant crimson, creating a stunning display of vibrant colors. Layers of yellow, red, and green intertwine. The park is home to over 100 bird species, including some endangered species. Cormorants return to the Metasequoia forest in autumn and winter, making it a great time for birdwatching.
▲A bird's-eye view of Chishan Lake in autumn, with yellow, green and red intertwined.
▲Chishan Lake in autumn is a photography paradise, the best time to take pictures of birds and scenery.
This stunning scenery is only an hour's drive from Nanjing. This wetland park has been preserved to its current state through years of maintenance, and we hope it can continue to be so.
Recommended routes
D1 Nanjing - Maple Color City - Half Tower
D2 Half Pagoda - Sunrise at Zhimaling - Chishan Lake - Nanjing
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For two-day trips, after exploring the city, Nanjing offers numerous scenic spots for capturing stunning autumn scenery. My family's autumn adventures found two excellent spots: the newly opened European-style scenic area "Maple Color City," featuring a vibrant metasequoia, a flower viewing corridor, a sea of flowers, a bell tower, and a serene lake, all immersing you in the "Royal Gardens" of Nanjing's suburbs. The other is "Zhimaling," a tranquil mountainside area surrounding Nanjing, offering a pristine landscape. The pond cypress trees, clad in morning mist, create a perfect interplay of light and shadow, with ducks occasionally swimming through, creating a truly idyllic atmosphere.
As a "slow city," you can experience a slow pace of life here, breathe fresh air, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. As it slowly develops, it's awash with color, and a romantic atmosphere permeates every corner. Take a scenic bus to stroll along Daquan Lake, enjoy a prairie lunch at Jurassic, or wander through the Flower Corridor, immersing yourself in the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of acres of flowers. In autumn, crimson maples burst into bloom, blanketing the mountains in a breathtaking crimson. Add to that the scorching red of the Chishan Forest, and you'll be amazed by the vibrant colors of this hidden gem in Nanjing's suburbs. It's undoubtedly one of the most stylish scenic spots in the city's suburbs.
▲Daquan Lake is located within the park, and the Chishan Forest opposite is also colorful in autumn, burning like fire.
▲Hundreds of acres of flowers stretch far into the distance. This type of rose blooms until December, making the entire autumn the best time to enjoy the flowers.
▲In autumn, Fengcaiman City will be painted in various colors.
Zhimaling, also known as Zhimaling, is a nature reserve in both Jiangsu and Anhui provinces. The Metasequoia trees, known as the "water forest," are a classic feature of Zhimaling. The most beautiful scenery here is the morning view, where the Metasequoia trees blend with the morning mist, creating a perfect interplay of light and shadow, and the occasional ducks swimming through, creating a paradise-like atmosphere.
Zhimaling also boasts a majestic red maple avenue, which begins to turn yellow in mid-October each year. If you're lucky, you'll be stunned by its beauty. Wandering through the Red Leaf Valley and the red leaf forest, the dense red leaves act like a natural tent, with sunlight filtering through the gaps between the leaves. The occasional duck swimming through adds to the scenery.
▲The dense Metasequoia trees stand tall and straight, and the lake, reflected by the blue sky and white clouds, is as dazzling as the sky. Zhimaling is like a fairyland, ethereal and mysterious. The Metasequoia trees in the sun are like a watercolor painting.
▲ The occasional migratory bird flies through the wetlands, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene. Spending a while here, I felt a sense of relief, lost in the beauty of nature!
▲Aerial panoramic view of Zhimaling, showing different colors in the forest.
Nanjing - Qixia Mountain - Nanjing
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If Nanjing's autumn is a perfect example of beauty, 80 percent of it is in Qixia. Climbing Qixia Mountain in late autumn to admire the maple leaves is a seasonal speciality for Nanjing residents. Every late autumn, Qixia Mountain's vibrant scenery adds a vibrant touch to Nanjing's autumn. Walking through the mountains feels like wandering through a painting. If you're in Nanjing, you absolutely must visit Qixia Mountain. If you're not in Nanjing, you should definitely sign up for a tour group to visit Qixia Mountain.
Qixia Mountain, also known as Sheshan, is one of China's four top maple viewing spots. It derives its name from the Qixia Jingshe Temple, built during the Southern Dynasties. While not as high and steep as Zhongshan Mountain, Qixia Mountain offers tranquility, captivating scenery, and historical sites scattered throughout its peaks, earning it the reputation of "Jinling's Most Beautiful Mountain." Qixia Mountain is renowned throughout the Jiangnan region, not only for its Qixia Temple, but also for the Southern Dynasties stone carvings of the Thousand Buddha Rock and the Sui Dynasty stupa, as well as for its deep, lush forests, clear springs, and steep cliffs.
▲"One Qixia Mountain represents half of the history of Nanjing." The Qixia Ancient Temple is located on the western foot of Qixia Mountain. The melodious sound of scriptures and the morning bells and evening drums make it like a fairyland on earth.
▲ The distant mountains outline the horizon, and the autumn colors are layered. The temple's Buddhist chants echo, and the incense smoke lingers. The autumn in Qixia Temple is truly beautiful.
▲ Deep in the back mountains of Qixia, where fewer tourists visit, this is a must-see during the Maple Leaf Festival. Qixia Mountain's vibrant autumn forests are a breathtaking sight.
▲The two ginkgo trees in front of Qixia Temple are also super beautiful. In autumn, they are not only red, but also golden ginkgo trees that match the red walls.
